The Winnipeg Jets continue to be a puzzling enigma. In the slightly censored words of Gennaro Gattuso, they’re “sometimes maybe good, sometimes maybe poop.” Their latest scrap with the Dallas Stars provided the perfect evidence, a game stuck between two identities. In one part, the Jets curbstomped the Stars and were unfortunate not to score more. In the other, Winnipeg stopped playing and very nearly blew a sure victory late in the third period. The Jets are nothing if not entertaining, that’s for sure. Despite the issues on the night, Winnipeg prevailed in the shootout. Here are some interesting takeaways to mull over this week.
Seven Takeaways
- As expected, Scheifele and Wheeler were re-united. In a bit of a departure, though, Maurice sent Lowry up to their unit, keeping Connor, Dubois, and Ehlers/Svechnikov together. Wheeler also had less than 20 minutes of TOI, a rarity in recent times. Might Maurice finally be giving Blake the role that better suits him?
- Dubois can’t seem to stop scoring. I do question the legality of his goal against Dallas, but it was an earned marker. His slot drives and silky stickhandling continue to make mincemeat of defenders. You love to see it.
- Morrissey had one of his strongest games in years. Spending a minimal time in the defensive zone certainly helped, but Schmidt has also been a crucial addition. The Schmidt-Morrissey pairing still struggles in front of their own goal, but they create a ton of offense at the other end. The tradeoff isn’t perfect but it works…more or less!
- Another Morrissey note: he scored another PP goal from the right faceoff circle. It’s hilarious that the Jets have used Josh there before deploying Vesalainen, but it’s working so far. If Morrissey keeps this up, it’s not crazy to think he could pot a career high in goals.
- The Jets still struggle to close games out. They let off the pressure and usually get punished pretty quickly. If it continually bites you in the butt, don’t do it.
- The PK is still quite stinky. The sequence leading to Robertson’s tally was hilarious to watch, but embarrassing for Winnipeg’s PKers. I have no idea what Stanley was trying to do there but it didn’t work. The PK probably won’t be fixed this year, so the Jets need to score 4 or more per game.
- Comrie’s holding his own so far. It’s only been a couple of games but the Jets may be able to make do if this is what Eric can bring every game. I’m happy for him. He could use the confidence boost.
